Industrial park would require faith by county

Published: Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 4, 2013 at 3:44 p.m.

Will 2013 bring news of a major employer deciding to build in Davidson County? Steve Googe, executive director of the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, certainly is doing his best to make that happen. Googe spoke to the county commissioners Thursday to update them on plans for a business park along Interstate 85 between Belmont and Clark roads. The park would encompass 1,100 acres and potentially become part of an even grander project, a megasite.

While no money has been appropriated thus far, some commissioners reacted coolly to the $10 million Googe seeks. They favor the concept, but the price tag raised concerns for different reasons. The county needs to find money to build a new high school in northern Davidson County to accompany Oak Grove Middle School, which opened this school year. Other commissioners worry about the fact the cost doesn't include land acquisition, although Googe assured them several affordable options exist to address that aspect of the project.

A key point Googe made was that the county doesn't have any land available in existing industrial parks. It takes a measure of faith to appropriate money and build a park without any firm commitments from manufacturers or businesses. The county recently did just that in a plan to extend sewer along U.S. Highway 64 East to I-85 — but for "only" $770,000. The proposed park certainly deserves more discussion and consideration from commissioners. The November unemployment rate ticked up to 9.5 percent, and landing a major manufacturer would go a long way in bringing that number down.

Davidson County Community College leaders already know how they'll spend much of the new year: celebrating the college's 50th anniversary. An invited group kicked off the festivities Thursday in Brinkley Gymnasium. Plans are still being finalized for other events, but the public will have several opportunities to join in the celebrations.

DCCC started as Davidson County Industrial Education Center in 1963 with a goal of helping adults transition from an agricultural economy to one based on manufacturing. Fifty years later, DCCC is assisting a new generation transition from manufacturing to 21st-century fields of study and also helping students begin a critical post-high school education. The growth of the college has been astounding, both in terms of buildings and students. DCCC serves about 16,000 students yearly in more than 50 curriculum programs.

Perhaps one of the best anniversary presents would be if the college is able to start work on its Link Campus, located across Interstate 85 Business Loop from the current facilities. When that construction takes place, it will position DCCC to continue to meet the needs of Davidson County and its people for the next 50 years.

<p>Will 2013 bring news of a major employer deciding to build in Davidson County? Steve Googe, executive director of the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, certainly is doing his best to make that happen. Googe spoke to the county commissioners Thursday to update them on plans for a <B>business park along Interstate 85 </B>between Belmont and Clark roads. The park would encompass 1,100 acres and potentially become part of an even grander project, a megasite.</p><p>While no money has been appropriated thus far, some commissioners reacted coolly to the $10 million Googe seeks. They favor the concept, but the price tag raised concerns for different reasons. The county needs to find money to build a new high school in northern Davidson County to accompany Oak Grove Middle School, which opened this school year. Other commissioners worry about the fact the cost doesn't include land acquisition, although Googe assured them several affordable options exist to address that aspect of the project.</p><p>A key point Googe made was that the county doesn't have any land available in existing industrial parks. It takes a measure of faith to appropriate money and build a park without any firm commitments from manufacturers or businesses. The county recently did just that in a plan to extend sewer along U.S. Highway 64 East to I-85 — but for "only" $770,000. The proposed park certainly deserves more discussion and consideration from commissioners. The November unemployment rate ticked up to 9.5 percent, and landing a major manufacturer would go a long way in bringing that number down.</p><p><B>Davidson County Community College</B> leaders already know how they'll spend much of the new year: celebrating the college's 50th anniversary. An invited group kicked off the festivities Thursday in Brinkley Gymnasium. Plans are still being finalized for other events, but the public will have several opportunities to join in the celebrations.</p><p>DCCC started as Davidson County Industrial Education Center in 1963 with a goal of helping adults transition from an agricultural economy to one based on manufacturing. Fifty years later, DCCC is assisting a new generation transition from manufacturing to 21st-century fields of study and also helping students begin a critical post-high school education. The growth of the college has been astounding, both in terms of buildings and students. DCCC serves about 16,000 students yearly in more than 50 curriculum programs.</p><p>Perhaps one of the best anniversary presents would be if the college is able to start work on its Link Campus, located across Interstate 85 Business Loop from the current facilities. When that construction takes place, it will position DCCC to continue to meet the needs of Davidson County and its people for the next 50 years.</p>